Whitchurch's Belton Cheese is celebrating a double success after it was named Supreme Champion at the Nantwich Show, setting up a trade deal with nationwide supermarket Waitrose.

The firm, which is based on the A41 outside Whitchurch, saw their Cheshire Cheese selected as the 'Supreme Champion' from more than 5,100 cheese entered into this year’s International Cheese and Dairy Awards Nantwich.

It meant that Belton Farm’s Traditional Coloured Cheshire has now secured listings in Waitrose, with a new distinctly branded 200g pack appearing initially on the shelves of 31 Waitrose stores located throughout the North West and Midlands from mid-October.

Justin Beckett, managing director at Belton, was understandably delighted by the agreement.

He said: “The listing of Belton Farm Traditional Coloured Cheshire makes the Supreme Champion win at Nantwich all the more special.

"Cheshire Cheese is our local speciality and close to our hearts, it’s a great opportunity to remind customers just how great Cheshire Cheese really is”.

Rachel Gallo, Speciality Cheese Buyer, from Waitrose, was equally delighted that the chain is selling Belton's cheese.

She added: "This reinforces the commitment and focus Waitrose have on offering our customers the very best local and regional products."

A spokeswoman for the company added: "They pride themselves on their cheese-making heritage and provenance, using local milk and the skills and expertise of their team of cheesemakers.

"The Belton Team believe the best quality cheese demands the best quality milk.

"This is achieved by sourcing all of their milk from local farmers, all within a 25-mile radius of the dairy, who share the same care and attention for both their land and their animals.

"Belton have recently announced long-term development plans and with further growth forecast they are now looking to recruit additional milk producers to its 80-strong dedicated group of local dairy farmers."

The Belton Farm Traditional Coloured Cheshire is available in the 31 Waitrose supermarket stores in 200g packs, and is expected to cost around £1.85.